Of all the Age of Revelation titles, X-Men: Book of Revelation might be the spiciest. The series wraps up this week, as Elbecca continues to plot behind Revelation’s back while working for Apocalypse. With Fabian Cortez out of the way, she seemingly has a direct path to Revelation’s throat, but surely Revelation will see this coming?
X-Men: Book of Revelation #3 is another entertaining issue, with Revelation detailing key elements that are must-reads if you’re following the larger event. Not only does this cliffhanger lead directly to Revelation’s opposition gaining a foothold for a final battle, but it also gives us insight into what Revelation’s big master plan is in the end. At its core is Elbecca, a fiery mutant with Arakki blood and a desire to complete her mission.
This issue opens with a flashback in which Albecca receives her orders. This scene helps establish what’s at stake for her and how she’s a good soldier of Apocalypse. The story then shifts to the present, where Revelation buries Cortez and seemingly moves on. This sets the stage for Elbecca to make her final move.
A key to his design is size.
Credit: Marvel
Beyond further insights into Revelation’s plan, this issue also humanizes Revelation far more than we’ve seen during the event. In a quiet scene, Revelation connects with Elbecca about a time in his past when he was known as Doug. He seems less supervillain, and while that moment lasts a page, it’s a hint that maybe there’s some humanity left in him.
Art by Netho Diaz continues to be a highlight, with a great-looking Apocalypse and well-crafted flashbacks. Diaz creates a dreamlike effect on flashbacks that makes them stand out and seem ethereal. His fight choreography is also fantastic, and while the fights are close quarters, it’s fun to track each punch and stab. Diaz also gets to stretch his splash muscles with an epic page that’ll please fans of Marvel Cosmic, as well as a lunging moment that’ll have you holding your breath. I can’t say I love Diaz’s seemingly arbitrary use of gutters to break up the art, but it does have a 3D effect at times that’s effective.
X-Men: Book of Revelation #3 delivers a sharp, suspenseful finale that rewards readers invested in the larger Age of Revelation storyline. By centering Elbecca’s loyalty to Apocalypse and peeling back Revelation’s past, the issue balances big-picture plot movement with intimate character work. Diaz’s art elevates the tension throughout, even if some experimental layouts occasionally distract. As a final chapter, it succeeds in both setting the stage for the endgame and reframing Revelation as more than just a looming antagonist.
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